In April 2021, we were honored to have Wilderado on The Road Trip Playlists Podcast. Lead singer Max Rainer joined to discuss the band’s debut self-titled album. As part of the episode we discussed how much Max misses touring and the special live shows Wilderado produces. On Monday night, we had the opportunity to see the band live at a sold-out Bowery Ballroom.
Following a terrific opening set from the rock outfit Flipturn, Max and Wilderado took the stage. After setting the tone with stunning performances of ‘Stranger‘ and ‘Astronaut,’ Max reiterated how good it feels for Wilderado to be back on stage. “We sold out Bowery Ballroom.” He went on to talk about how it will be a night they will always remember and what it meant for a band from Tulsa, Oklahoma to sell out the iconic venue.
Wilderado blessed the sold-out crowd with an electric and ethereal set. The five-piece band beautifully blended elements of three genres to create a sound uniquely their own. The live element really elevated their show with stellar guitar riffs, layered with the occasional keys, and impressive percussion beats from the drums.
A term like no-frills comes to mind to describe the show. However, I don’t want that to be read as anything but complimentary. As an indie rock group, Wilderado truly spoke through their music, and they did so quite loudly. While on stage the band made it look effortless, but what they were creating sonically was astounding.
Wilderado at Bowery Ballroom
Wilderado is truly a multi-hyphenate band and they put that on display at Bowery Ballroom. Throughout the show, they performed like a high-octane rock outfit, while having layers of wonderfully indie sound. But they also shined in a stripped-back acoustic performance of ‘Help Me Down.’ The sold-out crowd kept the same energy in the slower-paced song swaying and singing throughout. ‘Outside My Head‘ brought tempo back into the room as Rainer’s vocals shined echoing through the sold-out venue.
During their performance of ‘Take Some Time‘ the word entrancing repeated in my head. Wilderado’s performance the entire evening was entrancing and powerful. The performance wasn’t only powerful sonically, hearing the band’s journey from Tulsa to sold-out show in New York City’s historic Bowery Ballroom was powerful as well.
If Wilderado is coming to your city, it is a show that you shouldn’t miss. Today, the band announced summer tour dates in support of Mt. Joy. Get tickets to see them on their headline leg or summer shows here.
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